Main image: Cwtch up in the morning light above Llyn y Fan Fach | Credit: Discover Carmarthenshire
This is a paid partnership with our friends at Discover Carmarthenshire.
From cute countryside cottages with roaring fires, to toasty tearooms, Carmarthenshire embraces the essence of ‘cwtch’. It is said to be impossible to directly translate into English, a word rooted in Welsh culture that speaks to both snug, intimate spaces – a cupboard or cubbyhole in which to escape from the world – and the act of showing affection through touch; a cuddle, a snuggle, a comforting moment. Much like the Danish hygge, cwtch – pronounced ‘kutch’ conjures a feeling of warmth. For those who don’t crave the deep snow and cold challenges of winter, a ‘cwtch up’ in Carmathenshire might just be the perfect antidote to the unforgiving cold.
With rolling hiburnal hills, pubs aplenty, the magic of mythology and cultural history, and hardy flora and fauna, Carmarthenshire is at its brisk and boreal best during the winter months. To help you plan you visit, Dicover Carmarthenshire have compiled a winter ‘cwtch list’ you can tick off as you explore the charm of Carmarthenshire during its cosy season, as well as a ‘Cwtch Up in Carmarthenshire’ guide to comforting experiences, places to stay that feel just like home, and mouth-watering local food and drink to fuel the invigorating adventures in breathtaking landscapes.
So, dig out your woollies and embrace the elements to find your cwtch this winter and enjoy a warming Welsh hug for the soul…
Winter warm-up
Get your body buzzing again as you explore Carmarthenshire’s great outdoors. How about hitting the tarmac for some exhilarating road biking? The county has a huge choice of routes for all abilities as well as some car free options perfect for families with easy to use maps. Stay at the newly refurbished Forest Arms, Brechfa, where E-bike hire is available, as well as secure storage if you want to bring your own wheels.
Flying high
Expect spiriting-lifting encounters with nature. From the British Bird of Prey Centre at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, you can take a private woodland walk with an owl or falcon or fly the UK’s three biggest birds of prey. Stay at Ty Mawr Country Hotel in nearby Brechfa, or head for the Red Kite Feeding Station, Llanddeusant, to see beautiful birds and awesome flying displays.
Paws for thought
A cwtch doesn’t just refer to a hug between humans. Take your four-legged friend with you on a break for on-tap cuddles – and save on kennel bills, too! Pet-friendly rooms at the Caban, beside the magnificent seven-mile Pendine Sands, cost less than £100 a night. The Wales Coast Path is on your doorstep for walkies galore, too. While pooped puppy has a snooze, visit the new Museum of Land Speed while you’re there.
A kind of magic
Head out into soul-stirring landscapes – coastal, forest, hilltop and country – and combine physical exercise with nourishment for the mind. Learn about the Physicians of Myddfai and the supernatural Lady of the Lake. Hike to Llyn-y-Fan Fach, from where the watery wench emerged. Stock up on soothing daffodil-scented balms and bath bombs at Myddfai Trading in Llandovery. Then sleep in a four-poster at the Castle Hotel. Or, head over to Llangadog for a hearty meal at the new Y Castell, whose rooms are opening soon too.
That’s the spirit
Warm the cockles in a cosy and convivial pub, sampling local thirst-quenchers such as Penderyn Whisky, Coles Carmarthen Gold cider or Amman Eagle ale. Stay at Brown’s Hotel, a favourite watering hole of Dylan Thomas, in Laugharne which also boasts a new family-friendly restaurant Ty Glo. Or visit the newly opened wine and tapas bar The Globe. Alternatively, head for Dylan Coastal Resort for hot tubs, spa treats and spectacular estuary views from the terraces of its Milk Wood Bar and Kitchen.
Reach for the stars
There’s nothing like the night sky to humble and ground you. Hide away at Cambrian Escapes’ luxury, two-bedroom cottage, Glan-yr-afon, near Llandovery, and stargaze from a hot tub. Or choose Glangwili Mansion, a 5-star boutique style bed and breakfast offering a Stargazer Log Cabin. Book ahead for an Asado Night flame-cooked outdoor feast at Y Plough Felingwm. Join a guided full moon walk around an iron age hill fort before you cwtch up Under Starry Skies, remote cabins on a dairy farm on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, designated a Dark Sky reserve.
Woolly cwtch
Learn a flock of new crafts to feed your creativity and take the inspiration – plus a handmade piece – home. Why not book a one-day Weave and Walk workshop with Lisa from Quiet Walks? Fancy felting? Textile artist Jane Evans offers full-day wet-felting workshops near Llandovery. Further wool spinning, plant dyeing, weaving and chunky hand-spun knitting experiences are available at various venues with Nellie and Eve. Other options include a pottery course at Siramik which also offers b&b in a quiet and cosy converted stone barn. Or, learn to weave a peg loom mat with Drefach Fibre Flock. If your works or art don’t turn out exactly as you’d imagined, head to Bumble Bees of Llandovery, The Welsh Wool Shop, Newcastle Emlyn or Davies & Co stores to pick up Welsh wool products. Or head for the National Wool Museum, Drefach Felindre, to discover how they’re made and give one from the shop a forever home.
Tummy hugs
After stretching the legs and embracing the elements, sometimes, a warm meal is the best medicine. Start at the Good Food Guide’s Best Local Restaurant in Wales 2024, the Inn at the Sticks in Llansteffan. Then head to gourmand heaven in Llandeilo for Flows on Market St, Pitchfork & Provision artisan bakery and nearby Wright’s, Llanarthne. Fancy a hot beverage? Master coffee-making on Coaltown’s Academy course in Ammanford.
Discover Carmathenshire challenges you to complete their ultimate Winter ‘cwtch up list’. Learn more and download it here.
